Early Detection
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men (other than skin cancer) and the second leading cancer killer of men. Early detection is key to survival for some men. However, over-treatment is a significant issue that must be addressed in parallel with efforts to save lives. New tests (biomarkers and imaging strategies) are becoming increasingly available to better guide care and decision support. The digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are the first steps in gaining access to these promising new tests and technologies.
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Please see below several materials that demonstrate "best practices" in early detection and screening programs.
Shah, Anand, et al. "Implementation and impact of a risk-stratified prostate cancer screening algorithm as a clinical decision support tool in a primary care network." Journal of general internal medicine 36.1 (2021): 92-99.
Andrew J Armstrong MD ScM FACP, Professor of Medicine and Surgery. Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection presented at: Duke Cancer Institute, Durham NC, 2022.
Duke Cancer Institute Office of Health Equity. Men's Health Screening & Awareness 2019. March 2020.
Shah, Anand, et al. "Implementation and impact of a risk-stratified prostate cancer screening algorithm as a clinical decision support tool in a primary care network." Journal of general internal medicine 36.1 (2021): 92-99.
Andrew J Armstrong MD ScM FACP, Professor of Medicine and Surgery. Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection presented at: Duke Cancer Institute, Durham NC, 2022.
Duke Cancer Institute Office of Health Equity. Men's Health Screening & Awareness 2019. March 2020.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) suggests that a "very suspicious" digital rectal exam (DRE) or a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test result of greater than 3 might result in a doctor or healthcare provider suggesting a biopsy (if the PSA is very high or has a high "doubling time" or if the DRE is suspicious) or other tests if the PSA is simply elevated. These other tests might include a follow-up PSA, a Prostate Health Index (PHI) (pdf) blood test (approved by the FDA), a PCA3 (pdf) urine test, a 4Kscore (pdf) test, a SelectMDx urine test or testing for ERG Protein Tissue Marker (pdf).
If these tests lead to a biopsy which provides negative results, additional tests might help with planning for if and when to re-biopsy. These include PCA3 (pdf) (FDA approved for this purpose), 4Kscore (pdf), ConfirmMDx, and or a Know Error® (pdf) test.
If these tests lead to a biopsy which provides negative results, additional tests might help with planning for if and when to re-biopsy. These include PCA3 (pdf) (FDA approved for this purpose), 4Kscore (pdf), ConfirmMDx, and or a Know Error® (pdf) test.
Download this PDF file to learn about what new tests to ask your doctor about and when. Please contact us if you have any questions!
Click here to learn about advances in imaging for prostate cancer.
Click here to learn about advances in imaging for prostate cancer.